12 Top Instagram Worthy Places in Montreal, Canada
If you’re planning a visit and looking for the most Instagram worthy places in Montreal, here’s a list to get you started.
Quebec’s largest city is a treasure trove of photo opportunities.
From cobblestone streets to shiny glass skyscrapers, it has a fascinating mix of old and new. Add to that a vibrant festival, food and art scene and you could be snapping for days. What’s more, there’s a mountain and one of the world’s largest gardens in the middle of the city. There are so many instagrammable things to do in Montreal.
After touring the city as part of a 10-day cruise of French Canada and the Great Lakes with Victory Cruise Lines, I compiled this list of my favourite spots in Montreal that are sure to get some Instagram attention. And, while you’re there, don’t miss out on some of the eye-popping scenery near Montreal like Parc De La Yamaska, just an hour’s drive away.
If you’re staying in Montreal, click here to find the best deals on accommodations.
The Clock Tower
The Clock Tower stands as a “sentinel on the Seaway” to mark the entrance to the port and to honour the memory of lost sailors. And of course, with a clock that is a replica of Big Ben in London, it is certainly one of the most instagrammable places in Montreal.
On summer weekends, you can climb the 192 steps to the top for free for spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River and the city.
The Clock Tower and the Jacques-Cartier Bridge are currently lit up at night for the city’s 375th anniversary. Our tour guide told us that the colours on the bridge are based on an algorithm that takes the pulse of the city each day. It can be a tricky night shot because the light is constantly changing, but well worth the effort.
Address: 1 Clock Tower Quay St., Old Port
What’s in my camera bag? I use a Nikon D5300 DSLR with an 18 – 140 mm lens
La Grande Roue de Montréal
For another panoramic view of the city, you can take a ride on the Montreal Observation Wheel in the Old Port. The Observation Wheel is 60 metres high and is open year-round. Don’t worry, the cabins are heated in the winter (and air conditioned in the summer).
At $25 for adults, this ride doesn’t come cheap, but you can also get some great photos of the ferris wheel itself, with the city in the background. In summer, there is also an opportunity for a reflection shot with a decorative pool on the river side of the ferris wheel.
Address: 362 Rue de la Commune East, Old Port
Old Montreal
Dating as far back as the 17th century, old Montreal is the city’s most historic district. This area is like a little piece of Europe and it’s filled with classic Montreal photography spots.
Watch for cobblestone lane ways, aged brick facades and cute shops and cafés. And don’t forget the random moments — you never know who you might see riding in the back of the horse-drawn carriages meandering through the streets.
Address: Start on Rue Saint-Paul and wander
Rooftop Views:
Hotel Nelligan Terrace
If you’re looking for a photo and a beverage, the Hotel Nelligan provides an unparalleled view of old Montreal’s gothic architecture.
Address: 106 Saint-Paul St West Check pricing and availability to stay at Hotel Nelligan.
Hôtel William Gray
Another one of the best Montreal Instagram spots is the rooftop terrace at the Hôtel William Gray also in the heart of the old city. The terrace provides a great view of the domed Bonsecours Market and the Jacques Cartier Bridge. You can also get some shots looking down into the historic streets.
Address: 421 Rue Saint Vincent Check pricing and availability to stay at the Hôtel William Gray.
Notre Dame Basilica
Built in the Gothic Revival style, the ornate Notre Dame Basilica is one of the best Montreal Instagram photo spots both inside and out.
For exterior shots, I prefer night views because the Basilica is nicely lit with blue light and there is less of a crowd in front.
Inside, the wooden ceiling vaults are deep blue and decorated with golden stars. Be sure to turn around and take a look at the massive organ, which has 7000 individual pipes and dates back to 1891. It costs $6 to enter the church and there are usually lineups during the busy tourism season. At night, there is a spectacular light show inside if you purchase tickets online. ($23 for adults).
Address: 110 Notre-Dame St. West
World Trade Centre
You’ll find an impressive mix of old and new architecture at the Montreal World Trade Centre. Opened in 1992, the Centre spans a city block and consists of several restored historic buildings under a high glass and steel-beamed roof.
The 18th-century fountain in the centre of the building is an ideal photo opportunity. It features a statue of Amphitrite, wife of Poseidon and originally comes from France. The fountain and the building are reflected in a black granite pool with a glass-like surface.
Also, look for the remnant of the Berlin Wall on display in the building. It was donated to Montreal in 1989.
Address: 747 Rue du Square-Victoria
Crew Collective & Café
Near the World Trade Centre, drop into the Crew Collective and Café to grab a bite and a photo.
The Café preserves the splendour of the main hall of the Royal Bank Tower, once the tallest landmark in Canada. It now provides a popular lunch spot and work space for the creative community. You can order your lunch at an old teller’s window and nosh at a glass table lit with golden banker’s lamps.
Address: 360 St Jacques St. West
Plateau Mont-Royal
Just north of downtown Montreal is the eclectic neighbourhood of Le Plateau Mont-Royal. From the colourful houses with stairways in front to the arty alleyways and world renowned bagels, this is quintessential Montreal. The stairways are both photogenic and curious in a city that gets 2 metres (6 feet) of snow annually. Our guide told us that this was a high density neighbourhood when it was being built so they put the staircases outside to save space.
As you walk through the neighbourhood, be sure to look for the murals by talented street artists. My favourite is the building-size likeness of Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen at Napoleon and St. Laurent streets.
Address: Start around St. Laurent or St. Denis streets and wander.
Tip: Treat yourself to Montreal’s most iconic eats by grabbing a bagel at St. Viateur Bagel Shop 158 St-Viateur West or Fairmount Bagel, 74 Fairmount West or a smoked meat sandwich at Schwartz’s Deli, 3895 St-Laurent. (For more information, see 10 Quebec Foods You Have to Try).
St. Joseph’s Oratory
St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal is Canada’s largest church. An imposing example of religious architecture, it’s said to have one of the largest domes in the world. Although I didn’t get a chance to visit at this hour, I understand that the best time for photos here is sunset.
Address: 3800 Queen Mary Rd
Mount Royal Lookout
No visit to Montreal would be complete without a walk in Mount Royal Park, the city’s namesake. The park sits on a hill right in the middle of the city, although you should take note that locals call it a mountain.
You can drive or hike to the Kondiaronk Lookout at the summit for panoramic views of downtown Montreal. It’s great for photos, especially at sunrise or at night.
Address: 1196 Voie Camillien-Houde
Montreal Botanical Garden
The Montreal Botanical Garden is recognized as one of the world’s greatest botanical gardens. At 75 hectares, it’s also among the largest. It features more than 20 thematic gardens and an “Insectarium”.
My favourites for photos were the Chinese and Japanese gardens, as well as the rose garden which was in full bloom when I visited. Of course I had to stop and smell the roses!
Address 4101 Rue Sherbrooke East
More Information:
Cruise Details: Victory Cruise Lines
Tourism Information: Tourism Montreal, Quebec Tourism
Where to stay in Montreal: Check pricing and availability on Montreal accommodations here.
Suggested Reading: Fodor’s Montreal and Quebec City (Full-color Travel Guide),
Camera gear: I use a Nikon D5300 DSLR with an 18 – 140 mm lens
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You may also like:
The 21 Best Instagram Photo Spots in Quebec City, Canada
What It’s Like to Cruise the Great Lakes with Victory
10 Quebec Foods You Have to Try
12 Ways to Enjoy the Old World Charms of Quebec City
Eye-popping images here Cindy. What a jaw-dropping city for some IG worthy snaps. Need to get my IG game up for sure.
Thanks so much Ryan! There are endless IG opportunities in Montreal!
Thank you so much for showing this great IG locations. Montreal must be a great city for photography tours – I will definetely put this awesome city on my bucket list.
Thanks Martina! I have no doubt that you would really enjoy Montreal (and Quebec City too). Both are great for photos!
Wow, these are really stunning pictures. All of these places are truly Instagram worthy! My favorites were Notre Dame Basilica, World Trade Centre, that ceiling of Crew Collective & Café and the stunning view at Mount Royal Lookout. I will definitely visit these places when I travel to Montreal.Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Karie! Montreal is truly a photogenic city!
Wow, I want to go to all these places. The one that struck me the most if the World Trade Centre. The architecture is absolutely stunning. I’ve already made a trip twice to Canada this year and would gladly go back to visit Montreal next 🙂
Thanks Candy! I hope you come back to Canada. Montreal is a great city to visit and there are also a lot of interesting places to visit nearby too!
I love your use of black and white. Wow. That’s some mad photography skills. It’s a shame you couldn’t get the Notre Dame Cathedral frame clear but it looks so beautiful there that I can see why so many people go. We just visited Quebec for the first time this year and now really want to go to Montreal. Beautiful city.
Thanks so much! I hope you get a chance to visit Montreal. It’s truly a fascinating city.
What a beautiful city! I especially love the neighbourhood of Le Plateau Mont-Royal. The houses are beautiful and charming. The Notre Dame Basilica looks magnificent. Montreal has a wonderful mix of old European and contemporary architecture. Your photos are stunning!
Thank you! There really is a little of everything in Montreal.
Living in Ottawa, we’re so close to Montreal but it’s been several years since we’ve visited. We really need to return. I forgot how absolutely stunning Notre Dame Basilica is and the view from Mont Royal is truly amazing! Great post!
Thanks Joanne! It’s the same for me, so I was glad to have the opportunity to visit as part of the cruise.
You have taken stunning pictures of all the places of Montreal. It is difficult to choose the best one, but if I have to select then Old Montreal and La Grande are my favorite. Also, blue hues of Notre Dame Basilica are lovely.
Thanks so much Yukti! There are tons of photo opportunities in old Montreal.
I love posts like this that help me get the best IG pics on my travels! I would pick the botanical garden as one of my top spots to visit from the list you provided. I could honestly photograph flowers and such for hours! While the clock tower is.a must, I really liked the looks and sounds of the Le Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood, too.
Thanks Melody! You could easily spend all day at the botanical garden alone. I was there for a couple of hours and came away with a lot of nice photos.
Wow! Great IG photos! They are really inspiring us to visit Montreal! I went there when I was a teenager, so I can’t remember much of this city. I guess it’s about time now that I return to explore it more in depth! Thanks a lot for this wonderful post!
Thanks Mei! There is a lot to explore in Montreal, so I hope you get a chance to return.
Montreal looks like such a picturesque place. The World Trade Center and Mount Royale look so beautiful in the pictures. Is there a time of year that you enjoy visiting Montreal?
Thanks Astrid! I think fall would be my favourite time of year to visit Montreal. Not too hot or cold (usually) and the fall colours in and around Montreal are beautiful.